Robert Bosch North America, Pittsburgh has agreed to acquire Akustica Inc, Pittsburgh, an innovator in the application of CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) MEMS (micro electro-mechanical systems) technology in the consumer electronics market, says a statement released by Akustica, adding that terms of the agreement will not be disclosed.
Akustica develops and sells a complete portfolio of digital and analog micro electromechanical microphones featuring CMOS MEMS technology, which allows the integration of transducer elements and associated integrated circuits on a single Silicon chip, says the statement. Bosch is the world leader in MEMS sensors and, with this acquisition, further strengthens its position in this market, says the statement.
Dr Stefan Kampmann, executive VP, Bosch Automotive Electronics, said in the statement that the strategic acquisition of Akustica with their outstanding application of sophisticated MEMS technology complements Bosch’s growing semiconductor business and ideally complements its ongoing MEMS activities. We look forward to working together with the Akustica team to continue to develop this important business area, he added.
To date Akustica, which developed and sold the world’s first digital MEMS microphone, has sold more than 5 million microphones in the global market, says the statement. All of the company’s 36 associates will be employed by Bosch.
Joseph A. Jacobson, president and CEO Akustica said in the statement that the strength of Akustica’s combined technology, manufacturing capability, and talent will allow it to continue delivering innovative and differentiating sensor product solutions."
The Bosch Group is a global supplier of technology and services. Health care products are among the items manufactured and marketed by the company in North America.
In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, solar energy and healthcare. Bosch employs nearly 24,000 associates in more than 70 locations throughout
Akustica is a supplier of analog and digital output microphone products that are improving voice-input quality in a host of voice-enabled applications, from mobile phones to Internet telephony on notebooks and PC camera modules, says the company.
[Source: Akustica]
